Lighting

Being three dimensional, sculpture is all about light and shadow, raised and recessed areas. If there is too much shadow, you will not be able to see the work's detail and subtle nuances. Conversely, if there is too much light without any shadow, the piece will look washed out and lacking in depth and contrast.

Display your sculpture in a well-lit part of the room, preferably facing a light source. Avoid situations in which light is shining from behind the sculpture, as this is distracting and will cause shadows to dominate the front view of the sculpture.

Direct lighting is a good solution to providing your sculpture with just the right amount of shadow and light. If installing a spotlight, mount it above and slightly in front of the main viewing angle of the sculpture. If it is a larger work, more than one light might be good.

Natural lighting from windows, skylights, or outdoor settings is another excellent option to consider. Natural light provides the widest light spectrum, which will enhance the rich textures, patinas and coloration on your sculpture's surface. Natural light also changes throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky, allowing shadows to move across the sculpture in interesting ways.